The Pieces of a Passion Project

Have you ever done something that made you completely lose track of time? Something that consumed all of your focus and absorbed your hours, yet left you feeling like you only spent a moment with it?

Then you’re really going to enjoy this.

Source: Courtesy of Suska Matsik

You can follow mosaics throughout our human experience. From the walls of Mesopotamia 3000 BCE to the floors of Greece and Rome in 400 BCE 1, we can watch this artform continue on to be a staple in the design of parks at the beginning of the 20th century and into the aesthetics of modern day. 2

Some, if not most, of the same methods used to create those ancient mosaics continue to be used today and have made it into the house of the artist Suska Matsik in the small town of Chatham, Massachusetts in the United States.

If you've ever tried to create something, you know the whole process can be quite frustrating. From finding that great idea to showing the final piece to someone, here are 3 short videos (from a few creative minds you may recognize) that can help us rethink how well we're doing.

Now, regardless of how you feel about mosaics (or art in general), I’m sure you can appreciate the focus that comes from working with your hands or spending hours of your day perfecting something. Whether it’s structuring the words in a paper just so, tweaking the code for a new program, preparing a field for seed or a meal for your family, these moments of completely losing ourselves in a task aren’t unfamiliar to any of us.

“Yes, it is an escape. It’s entering a realm that has nothing to do with everyday reality, and time is inconsequential. It’s a reality that, to me, is more real than what’s going on around me in this world.” – Suska Matsik 3

Take a look at the beauty that Suska Matsik creates while she’s lost in her process in this gorgeous short film from the talented, Brandon DeTraglia.

Doesn’t that just seem cathartic? You can see more of Brandon’s work (and maybe enlist him to create something beautiful for you!) by visiting him on Vimeo, and Instagram!

“I feel strongly that my time in my studio and my time creating is a sanctuary for me. It’s a sanctuary that I created and one that’s essential for the happiness of my life. I think we live in very troubled times and when I’m in my studio working on a piece, that’s all that exists. And that, to me, is quite a gift to have that[sic].” – Suska Matsik 5

There’s something about the act of breaking those solid materials into imperfect pieces and rearranging them that is beautiful in a way that I’m having a hard time expressing.

What you can find in the mountains of the Philippines may stay with you forever, especially if you happen to visit Apo Whang-Od in her village. She’s single handedly working and teaching to keep her culture’s tradition alive!

Speaking of time, there’s are two connections you can make right now that won’t take up much of yours. Take a moment to share this article with a friend and make sure you’re subscribed to us so you don’t miss our upcoming articles!

Stay open to new possibilities!

Sam

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it” – Albert Einstein

Want to stay connected?

Want to support the people making the world better?

Our Patreon is an easy way! Every month we take the pledges from our patrons and donate them to an organization making waves in our #ConspiracyofGoodness theme of the month. Head over to our Patreon to learn more!

Discover More

How can taking a photograph help you connect with a stranger? Richard Renaldi’s photographic series “Touching Strangers” shows us that an act as simple as posing with a stranger can have a profound effect on our sense of humanity.

Get your dose of optimism!

Subscribe below for your link to this amazing world

Leave this field empty if you're human:

Welcome to the nicest place on the web!

We're the only place on the web where you won't find politics or a commercial agenda—just a celebration of all the brilliant insights and innovations happening around our world. We're so excited you're here!

If you'd like to receive a dose of optimism in your email, please fill out the form! Make sure you check your email after to confirm your subscription and customize how often you'd like to hear from us.